Worship & Music - Choir Section Leaders

Kim Robson, Soprano Section Leader

What does a section leader/soloist do?  In addition to providing excellent solo work when required, the section leader keeps the “team” together, helps in learning challenging passages, and provides a beacon of quality with which other voices can align.

We’ve enjoyed Kim Robson’s work as our soprano section leader and soloist for over seven years.    Kim is the Assistant Professor of Music at USP (University of the Sciences in Philadelphia), where she provides a complete range of music instruction.   This includes teaching classes (music history, theory and world music), directing several different ensembles and a choir; and individual advising and support.  

Kim’s first musical focus was the flute, which she has studied since 4th grade.  We benefit, as she has frequently provided flute solos or accompaniment at St. David’s.   She started voice lessons while at Allegheny College, majoring in Geology.   A growing interest in music led Kim to advanced study, including an MM (Master of Music) from the New England Conservatory, specializing in voice performance.

A native of upstate New York, Kim relocated to the Philadelphia area 9 years ago with her husband, Roy.   (Roy Robson is also on the faculty at USP, an Associate Professor of History specializing in Russian history.)  In addition to her professional life as a musician, Kim spends time with her horse, Stash, enjoying dressage and trail riding, and with three dogs and two cats.

One of Kim’s guiding principles for music is to enjoy it!  “We are fortunate every time we have a chance to perform so much beautiful music, so don’t let the stress of the moment take away from the pleasure of it,” she advises.   Kim especially notes that both of St. David’s worship spaces are very special and spiritual places.   She appreciates that the history and beauty of St. David’s, combined with a full array of modern programs, makes St. David’s a unique and wonderful place.


Kathy Beish Wagner, Alto Section Leader

Who’s that soloist with the rich and mellow mezzo-soprano voice in our choir?  That’s our alto section leader, Kathy Beish Wagner!   

Kathy joined the choir in 1999.  She came with a strong background in music and music education. She has been a music educator at the Philadelphia Academy Charter School in Northeast Philadelphia since its inception, working with different grade levels from K to 8 each year. She is also responsible for two musicals each year as head of its musical theatre program.

After growing up in central Pennsylvania, Kathy obtained a BME (Music Education) from Mansfield University. She then taught in Syracuse, New York, while spending her summers in Chicago, completing her MME degree at Northwestern University. In 1998, she was enticed to come to Philadelphia by the tenor who became her husband, Charles. (We are fortunate that Charles and his two sisters, in turn, followed Kathy into our choir and church community in 2001!)

From 1999 through 2006, Kathy was a member of the
professional chorus of the Opera Company of Philadelphia, having most recently enjoyed singing last spring in the premiere production of Margaret Garner. She is also a member of the group, Voces Novae et Antiquae (in which our music director, Clair Rozier, also participates).

The most recent “Wagner production” is Ella Katherine Wagner, born on September 19, 2006, and part of our recent crop of “choir babies.” The joy of welcoming Ella has
precluded other outside interests for Kathy and Charles for the time being!

Kathy particularly enjoys musicals, but reminds us that any type of music done well is good music! She enjoys being part of the St. David’s community where an abundance of music can be enjoyed.